This is the only 100% pure entertainment online source for kannada movies, movie reviews, gossips and sandalwood news. Its an in-depth guide to kannada film industry and its celebrities. See where your favourite kannada stars live, work, play, shop, dine. View celebrity photos and get the latest celebrity gossip online!

Dr. Vishnuvardhan dies today(30th Dec) morning in mysore around 2:30am. Vishnuvardhan is survived by his wife Bharathi and two daughters Chandana and Keerthi (actor Aniruddha's wife).
Actor's body to be kept at National college grounds. Security stepped up in bangalore afters Vishnuvardhan's death.
Schools, colleges closed following vishnuvardhan's death.

Such a bad news. Renowned kannada singer C Ashwath died in Bangalore today.

Last week following a severe stomach ache, he was rushed to the hospital (Thursday). While he was quite healthy on Thursday morning, he got sick in the afternoon and had to be admitted to ICU at Columbia Asia Hospital, Bangalore.

The singer was undergone treatment for liver and kidney problems at the same hospital last week.

If im not wrong, today is his birthday(29th Dec). :(
Let us pray for him, let his sole be in please.

Aindrita, who is shooting for Kannada movie "Nooru Janmaku Nooraaru Janmaku" directed by Nagathihalli, in a complaint to the film chamber and producers’ association, has said: “On December 6, Nagathihalli attacked me without provocation. He slapped me on the face and I am not able to hear properly from my left ear. During the shots, he behaved indecently. Before attacking me on the sets, he used to call me at nights and harass me during the shoot.”

Aindrita, who was accompanied by her mother at Hong Kong, has also said that Nagathihalli’s manager had asked her to come alone for the shoot.

Nagathihalli said the allegation is baseless. “I did not ask her not to be accompanied by her mother. She used to go for betting and would reach late on the sets. When she once came three hours late, I objected and she pushed me... I am ready for any kind of inquiry,” he said.

MEETING TODAY (11th Dec)

KFCC president Jaimala said she will hold a meeting with Aindrita and Nagathihalli on Friday to hear their versions.

Musical genius Ilayaraja was in namma Bengaluru over the weekend for the final mixing of Suryakanti. Word has it that the legend doesn’t usually partake in such events, especially if it’s outside Chennai. He sends his sound engineers to do the job. “But he made an exception in this case because he was happy with both his work and the film. So he wanted to be here personally to ensure that everything goes smoothly,” says suryakanthi director Chaitanya.

Ilayaraja, says Chaitanya, has made a detour from his usual style in this flick. “He’s used a lot of modern music and funky beats in this project. There’s also a lot of jazz,” the director tells us.

He made another exception for Bangalore. “It’s been eight years since he did a television interview. But during his visit, Ilayaraja did back-toback interviews with various channels. He’s very camera shy, so it was a huge feat for him,” shares Chaitanya.

The much-feted music composer has scored six songs for the film, the most popular being Swalpa Soundu Jasti Maadu, the lyrics of which have been penned by Yograj Bhat. “Ilayaraja understands my way of working and knows how I treat a film. He’s a master at re-recording. Music isn’t just about composing; it’s about good background scores too,” says Chaitanya. But it’s also said that the master isn’t at his best these days. “That depends on the film-maker he’s working with. If Ilayaraja is excited about a project, he’ll give it his best. He’s not someone who’s easily impressed. You have to motivate him with quality work,” explains Chaitanya. So did they also discuss his latest, Paa? “Ilayaraja was very excited about the film. He spoke to Balki a couple of times while he was here,” signs off Chaitanya K.

JENNIFER KOTWAL has been MIA for quite a while — a back injury keeping her out of commission for the better part of 2009. “I wasn’t doing films because of that injury. I’ve been doing commercials and making public appearances, and was in the US for three months,” explains the actress.

Jennifer kotwal also occasionally passed through Bangalore whenever she was required for the shoot of the much-delayed kannada movie Bisile. In fact, there were rumours that JK was seeing her Bisile co-star Diganth.

Did that bother her Mumbai-based businessman boyfriend? “I’m officially single,” says Jennifer. However, she admits that she can be “candid” with Diganth. “He’s not only smart but very friendly. I’m damn crazy on the sets and he understands my craziness,” she says.

Despite the delay, Jennifer admits that shooting for kannada film Bisile was fun. “The crew was a young lot, so things got crazy on the sets. We had a lot of fun,” she says, adding that she’s looking forward to the film’s release, which will be in mid-December. “Now that I’ve recovered from my back injury, I’ll take up as many projects as I can. The shoot of Jogi 2 will begin next year,” she tells us.

What about her Bollywood debut, the Himesh Reshammiyastarrer, Mudh Mudh Ke Na Dekh Mudh Mudh Ke? “That’s been put on hold for a few months. They’re planning some budget cuts. Besides, they approached me for the film, not the other way around,”.

If you are getting bored of reading posts like why Ramya said no to Prakash Rai's film at the last moment or Radhika gave birth to baby girl, then here is some quality news.

Ghatashraddha (death rites), the Kannada movie based on U R Ananthamurthy’s short story and directed by Girish Kasaravalli, has been voted as one of the 20 best films made in 100 years of Indian film history.

According to sources, 1.6 million people have voted for this movie. It was announced at the International Film Festival being held in Goa.

This was Kasaravalli’s first movie, done in black and white in 1977. “I had Meena, Ajit, Narayana Bhat, Ramakrishna, B Suresha and Shantha in the movie which had music directed by B V Karanth and camerawork by S Ramachandra.’’

The story is about a cruel way of excommunication. The death rites are performed for a living person to mark excommunication from Brahmin society.

Kasaravalli said: “It was a powerful and extraordinary story. It spoke of rituals and traditions in Brahmin families. It was my first movie after I graduated from the Pune film institute. I had selected Meena Kuttappa, who was a student at that time, for the role of Yamunakka. It won national (Golden Lotus) and state awards.’’

The story goes like this: Yamunakka, a child widow, has an affair with a village schoolteacher and gets pregnant. Her lover arranges for abortion and disappears from the village. The elders discover Yamunakka’s secret and her father performs ghatashraddha.

When Prakash Rai decided to turn director and that too on home turf, it generated huge buzz. The actor and film-maker chose to remake his hit film Abhiyum Naanum in Kannada, which will be titled "Naanu Nanna Kanasu".

Prakash had pencilled in Ramya to play the lead, which was essayed by Trisha in the original. All was going well until the day before Ramya was set to leave for Coorg, where the first schedule of the movie was supposed to be held. The crew of the film has gone ahead with the shoot without the lead actress.

Sources say that there were some budget problems because of which Prakash and Ramya parted ways. If you are thinking how much money kannada actress ramya take per film is, then the answer is approximately 30 lakh. Apparently, the makers — Prakash and B Suresh — had offered her Rs 16 lakh, which is less than half Ramya’s current market value and a friend of ramya says "She will not compromise on her remuneration because then everyone would expect her to do a film for the same amount.”

While Prakash and Suresh remained inaccessible as they’re shooting at the Kelagoor tea estate in Chickmagalur, co-producer Shailaja Nag says, “It’s a rather unfortunate development"

Now big buzz in kannada film industry is who will replace Ramya. And we fot the answer from Shailaja Nag that Amulya to step into Ramya’s shoes. Amulya's first flick "Cheluvina Chittara" was a huge hit and now she’s busy wrapping up Premism and will join the Naanu Nanna Kanasu team soon.

After the grand success of the hit kannada filn of the year Manasare, Yograj Bhat has moved on to his next project. The Mungaru Male director will be teaming with the poster boy of Sandalwood and his personal favourite kannada actor Diganth, once again. The movie is set to go on the floors on December 6 and is a story that deals with today’s youth. To be shot in Chitradurga, Hiriyur and Bangalore, the film will be launched by YB’s home banner and coproduced by his close aide Subramanya.

“We’ve selected Haripriya as the heroine — she has an appealing face and is a Kannadati. It makes my job easy,” says Yograj.

As for Diganth, ask him why he’s repeating the actor in all his films and the director says, “He’s a no-nonsense actor. Digi understands my style of working and we share a comfort zone. I’m extremely fond of him and we’re good friends now.” In fact, Diganth has even accompanied his director pal to Chitradurga on his recce. So, does YB feel Digi commands star value? “Diganth’s a star today. He’s proving it as Manasaare is heading towards a 100-day run. He’s also growing as an actor. Yavaga avanu kaige sigalla, I’ll head off to search for a new face,” smiles Yograj.

Kannada movie Star couple Rakshitha and Prem recently celebrated son Surya’s first birthday. We gives you an exclusive look at the family potrait. So we are bringing a smile on all those kannada filmy buffs who had a big questions like, what is the prem rakshitha baby name, whether its a baby boy or baby girl or who wants to see the picture of the prem rakshita baby picture. Happy Days are here again!!! :)

Kannada film indusrty is remaking a Telugu film industry tradition this time rather than releasing films during Deepavali. Kannada movie indusrty has adapted it to its nativity by announcing the launch of multiple films just before the festival.

October 15 will see the muharat of many films. On Wednesday, the shooting for Ramesh Aravind’s new film "Inti Nimma Preetiya, Ramesh," will commence.

Puneeth Rajkumar’s Prithwi will commence shooting on Thursday. After so much of speculation its not Ramya who is pairing with Puneeth. Its Parvathy menon, who paired with Puneeth in the super hit Milana, is the leading lady of the film to be directed by Jacob Varghese.

Another big film launching that day is Shankar IPS which has Duniya Vijay in the lead. The film will be directed by M S Ramesh who directed the hit(?) Thakat with the same actor earlier this year. Vijay who played a guest role as a cop in Gelaya will be portraying a full-fledged IPS officer for the first time.

Shravana produced by veteran producer RTO Shivanna also goes on floor on Thursday starring Vijay Raghavendra.

Youngster Vishwas (of Jolly Days) will be seen in Kalgejje directed by first-time director Bangaru. School-girl Roopika is the leading lady.

For years it was during the festival of Varamahalakshmi that many Kannada films would be launched or released. This Deepavali bonanza may well turn out to be a new trend.

Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar will be acting in ‘Duniya’ Suri’s next kannada film Jackie. Though this is the tentative title of the film, it is most likely to be retained. The film will start after Puneeth completes Prithvi.

“The two films I am most nervous and excited about at the same time are Prithvi and Suri’s next. The first one because of the combination of director Jacob (Varghese) and Manikanth Kadri (music composer). And any of Suri’s films will be a challenge,” Puneeth said.

Jacob Varghese has a tough follow-up act to do after the success of his first film Savari. Manikanth composed music for the film and the duo will now have the biggest star in Kannada to handle. Manikanth is the son of internationally renowned saxophone exponent Kadri Gopalanath. He has also composed music for films Ganesha and Mr Garagasa. That Suri will be directing a film for Puneeth rajkumar was in the news for some time. It is the title and schedule that has now been revealed. Suri is currently wrapping up Kari Chirate with Vijay, his third film with the actor. “Jackie is not about jockeys. It is just a name,” Puneeth said.

This is some pure fun after a long hiatus and some gud work too. Gud work is film personalities come forward to donate money for victims of floods and fun is its the celebration of 50 days completion of flop film of the decade Raj - The showman!!!!

Monday started with new producer Darshan Priya writing a cheque for Rs 51,000 in aid of the victims of the flood in north Karnataka. She wrote the cheque while she was on the dais at the press meet of her film Hrudayadali Idenidu. The 23-year-old is producing her first film.

Later in the day, one of the producers of Raj — The Showman, Srinivas Murthy announced he is donating Rs one lakh (Still he has money!!) to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The film has completed 50 days and the director, Prem, claims that the film has collected in its first week what other films do in 25 weeks!!! But even asking by the reporters he doesnt disclose the any figures and he played it safe !!.

The film’s making is said to have cost Rs 10 crore and Prem says the cost has been recovered in the first week itself. Distributor Jayanna was more forthcoming and revealed that the gross collections of the film have been about Rs 25 crore and its net earning is in the region of Rs 12.5 crore. Considering that the film ran well in the districts that now lie submerged, the contribution seems too small. Isn't it??

Puneeth Rajkumar, the leading man of the film said that his family’s Dr Rajkumar Trust will be doing its bit and will announce a donation on Wednesday. “I feel so sad at the people's suffering. I appeal to all individuals to do their bit for the welfare of the victims,” he said.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and the Karnataka Cine Artistes' Association are still silent on the issue.

After the success of kannada movie Savaari, director Jacob Varghese is back in the news with his next film Prithwi. “I treat each film like it’s my last project. So I give it my best,” he says.

Interestingly, the kannada director, who doesn’t believe in directing remakes, made Savaari, a remake of the Telugu film, Gamyam.

“I have watched the original. And when it was offered to me, I knew there was plenty of scope for betterment. I also knew it’d work in Kannada,” he says.

After Savari, even though Jacob is flooded with offers, he’s in no hurry to sign films. “I want to be choosy about my projects. Besides, as a director, I have a longer shelf life in the industry than an actor,” he reasons.

The director is also keen that Prithwi should do better than Savari. “Puneet watched the film in the third week and loved the songs. So producer MB Babu set up a meeting for us. Puneet and I met a couple of times and discussed the film,” says Jacob. He’s all praise for the Power Star. “I had a totally different perception of Puneet. But once we got talking, I could relate to him. His views on movie making is very different. Puneet watches a lot of world cinema and appreciates good movies,” he shares. So are there any makeovers in store for the actor? “I believe in him and don’t want to change him in any way. I’ve bet on a winning horse, so half the work is done. All you need to do is make a decent film,” he says.

This kannada film will go on the floors sometime in the second week of October with the song recording starting from October 2. Manikanth Kadri is scoring the music.

This is the greatness of our kannada super star sahasa simha vishnuvardhan. He exactly acted as yajamaana to protect his family and the victim!!

Archana, the sister-in-law (wife of late kannada director R Seshadri) of Vishnuvardhan stays with the star’s family in Jayanagar and works as a manager in a private firm. She started receiving obscene SMSes on her cell phone from a youth a couple of days ago. Archana confided to Vishnuvardhan’s daughter Keerthi. The latter told this to Raju, a staff member of the actor, who in turn complained to the police.

The youth was subsequently identified and picked up by Thilak Nagar police. After he was suitably ‘taken to task’ it was revealed that he was a relative of a top city cop. No formal complaint was lodged and family members of the youth apologised to Archana and Vishnuvardhan. The incident was kept secret from the actor and more importantly from his Vishnu Sene fans so that it would not be a repeat of a incident where two men were beaten up badly.

The issue was prevented from taking an ugly turn. A few years ago, a similar incident had resulted in two youth from Ramanagara being beaten up by Vishnuvardhan’s fans and dumped near Bannerghatta. Vishnuvardhan has now requested the cops not to reveal the identity of the youth.

“Thankfully Raju did not tell this to members of Vishnu Sene. The fans tend to be very protective about my family members. When Keerthi and Archana used to go to college by bus, fans used to escort the bus in auto rickshaws. I remember how two youngsters were beaten black and blue when they teased my daughters years ago. I do not want such things to be repeated. This incident only came to my notice when the family members of that boy wanted to apologise,” kannada cinema star Vishnuvardhan said.

Here is the lyrics of current number one song from manasaare - ello maleyaagide endu. Penned by jayanth kaikini, composed by mano murthy and sung by sonu nigam. This combination always enriched kannada film music and 'ello maleyaagide indu' is the another beautiful song showering good kannada music to us. We wonder to see the google search results for manasaare music free downloads by kannada music lovers. In this website you can download 'sangama' and 'psycho' music. We wish to publish the songs from manasare for free download once we get the rights. as of now you enjoy the manasaare song lyrics.

In an interesting co-incidence a total of 90 kannada films have released in the first nine months of 2009. Even more interesting is that nine out of these releases is expected to make money over their investments. The nine kannada films are Ambari, Junglee, Kannada Kiran Bedi, Ee Shatamanada Veera Madakari, Josh, Savari, Thakat, Eddelu Manjunatha and Yodha.

It does not seem bad considering that there are other kannada films that have either recovered their cost or are on their way towards it. These include Raj - The Showman, Venkata In Sankata, Jaajie Mallige, Chamkaisi Chindi Udayisi, Love Guru, Prem Kahani and House Full are expected to get back their investments. Upendra’s Rajani and Yograj Bhat’s Manasaare released on the last two Fridays of September and with huge openings during the Dasara holidays are also likely to end up on the winning side.

But this is not considered happy tidings by the kannada movie industry. More than 50 films this year could not make it to the second week in cinema halls. So, overall there is a feeling that more money has been lost than made this year. Some of the big films that have failed this year include Circus, Jolly Days, Nanda, Nam Yajamanru, Gautham, Chellidharo Sampigeya, Hat trick Hodimaga, Dubai Babu, Olave Jeevana Lekkachara, Karanji, Male Barali Manju Irali and Bagyadha Balegara.

Software engineer-turned-kannada playback singer Nanditha has reasons to be unhappy with American-Kannadiga music composer Mano Murthy. The singer says that on more than one occasion she has been reduced to being a track singer in his films. The first time she sang the song Banna Bannada Haadu along with Rajesh Krishnan for the film Matad Matad Mallige. But it was only when the album was released that she realised that Mano Murthy had got Shreya Ghosal and Shankar Mahadevan to sing that song without their knowledge. The next was for a song in Milana. Again Nandita’s voice was not used and Shreya Ghoshal took her place.

“Mano Murthy has to give an explanation as to why my voice was not suitable,” asks the three-time State award winner kannada singer.

The fascination with Bollywood singers is not new in Sandalwood. Recently the album cover of Savari carried the name of Shreya Ghoshal for the song Marali Mareyagi, even though the song was sung by Anuradha Bhat. Nanditha continues to be a popular singer and after recently buying a house for her parents is looking forward to new challenges. She wants to turn composer soon and hints that it may not be too far away. “I have been composing tunes for a long time and have about 300-400 ready,” she says. Best of luck Nanditha.

Kannada movie Manasaare released this week and it was one of the most awaited film this year. This Kannada film promises for gud fun with its catchy dailogues. We rate this film with four stars.

Let’s start with the assumption that audience will not come to this movie only because Yograj Bhat also directed Mungaaru Male. Quite impossible, because that is exactly why people will buy tickets for this kannada film manasare, and not because of the unknown sugar content of doodh peda Diganth or Aindrita Ray. Bhat seems to be burdened not by expectations but by a ‘tiredof-same-old’ syndrome.

Diganth’s character says he is tired of the same old love story, marriage, road and beer. In trying not to repeat things, Bhat manages to do exactly that. The film bets excessively on its dialogues, beautiful frames, Jayanth Kaikini and Mano Murthy. These things work, but the story which is an attempt at unifying workable filmy characters starts with a bang, whimpers through the middle and fizzles out in the end.

Manohar (Diganth) is a happy-go-lucky chap content with whiling away his time despite being a burden on his family. Among his many misadventures, he is mistakenly taken into a mental institution. His attempts to convince the doctors that he is the wrong person fail. His escape missions do not come through either. In one such attempt he comes across Devaki (Aindriata Ray), another mental patient undergoing treatment at the institution. Then it is love in the times of insanity. The rest of the film is spent wondering whether these two characters will escape the prison-like hospital or get out after being certified normal.

I actually did not expect much from Manassaare and I guess that’s the reason that the film has left me dumbfounded. The movie has very few negative aspects and a lot of positive aspects. So let me summarize the negative first so that it can be forgotten and elaborate on the positives so that they remain with us.

Negative:

The second half is slightly dragged and cannot keep up to the pace of the first half.
I am not sure if andrita was the right choice to play such a intense character. She looks good thou but her character becomes slightly irrelevant after a while.
The villain doctor theme could have been avoided I think. . it ate too much of screen time from such a feel good movie otherwise.

Thumbs up . .

Digant Digant and more Digant – I couldn even imagine that Digant could have turned into such a sensitive performer. Very matured acting. Its definitely different from all his chocolate hero potrayals.

What I liked best in his performance was that he was inhibited. He has shed all his consciousness and has let himself free in front of the camera. He looks undoubtedly stunning . .his dialogue delivery is crisp and appropriate. His body language is wonderful. And he steals the show in so many places.

I donot want to reveal the plot – but the sequence where he is trying to fool the doctor to take him back, he says “yeah . . please . . . .”
Every time he says vaapaas hogana baa please . . followed by his nakhras

The comedians in the film are ooutstanding . . .Satish Ninaasam is brilliant . . along with the background score that accompanies him . .he he he . . . . . . the Dharwad Kannada Jagadguru is simply supppppppppppppppppppppppppperrrrrrrrrrrrrrbbbbbbb . . . .!!! and so is Mitra . . . with his “Batte” obsession.

satya hedge scores with his brilliant cinematography. The camera work is outstanding. I was fullu impressed with the ligting techniques used and the tone of the entire film. The warmth does not go away any where and that’s beautiful.

Hands down to this brilliant movie that’s cute . . some times disturbing and some other times thought provoking and mostly entertaining. The true winners of the movie are Yograj Bhat for his direction and his whimsically humorous writing. Satya Hegde for his brilliant visuals . . . the comedians for putting life into the film . . and for Diganth – the soul of the movie. Who has gone beyond his amaaazing looks and his dimples and doodh peda image, to turn into a very matured performer. Guys catch this movie. Don’t miss it!!!

Overall manasaare is a wachable movie for its songs, dialogues and ofcourse handsome Diganth and beautiful Aindrita Ray. Book your tickests for this movie now!!!

Remember what Inti Ninna Preetiya did to kannada actor Srinagara Kitti? Even while the film was in the making he was signed up by top producers and he has been a busy actor ever since. The very fact that he was doing the film with Suri was enough to convince Sandalwood that he would turn out to be a winning horse. This despite the fact that Kitty was running from pillar to post trying to get roles before Suri picked him for Inti Ninna Preetiya.

Something similar is happening to Yash, whose kannada film Kallara Sante is ready for release. Though he won the Filmfare award for best supporting kannada actor for his debut Moggina Manasu, which was also a box office hit, it did nothing to further his career. When his next film Rocky failed he was almost relegated to the sidelines. Surprisingly the ready for release Kallara... seems to be opening the doors of producers for him. His next film Gokula is progressing at a rapid pace and an unnamed project will go on floors on October 20. That is not all, if Sandalwood grapevine is to be believed Yash has been approached by many top producers. All in the anticipation that the positive talks about Kallara Sante the second film by director Sumana Kittur, turn out to be true.

Yash, however, knows who the credit should go to. “It is not because of me but because of Agni Sridhar (the writer) and Sumana Kittur that the film has generated such interest. In the bargain, I have been benefitted and I am thankful to them,” Yash said. The journalism graduate is now firmly part of the young brigade of Sandalwood. This film is also a comeback of sorts for Haripriya, who is more busy in Kollywood these days.

Crazy Kutumba kannada film is about a family of seven riding in an autorickshaw from Belgaum to Bangalore for a talent show. It sounds similar to hollywood movie "Little Miss Sunshine". And the fact is it is true. The new Ramesh Aravind-Anant Nag starrer Crazy Kutumba is inspired by the Marathi film De Dhakka which in turn was inspired by the 2006 Hollywood movie.

Instead of a minibus in which the American family travels to get their little girl to participate in a beauty pageant, the Crazy family will take to an auto rickshaw. The journey will start in Belgaum and end in Bangalore. In reality, the auto itself will be carried in a truck!!!. The seven members of the Crazy Kutumba are Anant Nag as the drunk grandfather, Ramesh Aravind as a mechanic, Sana as his wife, child artiste Dhanya as the the aspiring Bharatanatyam dancer, Chindodi Veerashanker, Chindodi Vijayakumar and Harish. Rajinikanth will play the role of the auto thief.

Dhanya is a standard IV student in the City’s Kumaran School and has been studying Bharatanatyam for sometime now. This will be the 51st film as director for B Ramamurthy and first film as producer for Ravi Joshi, who is also brotherin-law to Ramesh Aravind.

Ricky Kej will be composing new kannada tunes for three popular songs. Coincidentally each song has been written by a poet. Kuvempu’s Nade Munde Nade Munde..., K S Narashima Swamy’s Hendati Obbalu Maneyolagiddare... and H S Venkatesh Murthy’s Amma Naanu devaraane Benne Kaddilla... are the three songs. The only new lyrics for the film are written by Jayanth Kaikini.

This is the second one from Mussanje maathu. Even thought this kannada film doesnt receive good reviews the songs were hit. Here it goes.
----------------------------------------------------
Song: yenaagali munde saagunee
Film: Mussanje Maathu
Music: V.Sridhar
Singer: Sonu Nigam
Lyrics: V.Sridhar
----------------------------------------------------

Kannada movie Director N Omprakash Rao has reached a new milestone in his career. Shooting for his 25th film as director, AK 56 started on Monday, September 14. He has roped in Siddanth and Nikitha for the lead roles. Rao had directed the kannada film AK 47 exactly 10 years ago in 1999.

Known for his big-budget kannada action films, Rao is making it clear that his new film too is a high-octane extravaganza. Defying the cost cutting measures of some producers, he has gone ahead and launched a 25-page invitation in the form of a book for AK 56. Siddanth has appeared in only one film, Minchu, before.

Rao has hit kannada films like Lockup Death, AK 47, Kalasipalya, Huchcha, among others to his credit. Of late he has been accused of making movies plagiarised from different language films. But he would candidly admit that he was indeed making films that way. Later, he promised that he would only make original films only to break it. It is not known if AK 56 has various sources, though the credit for the story has been given to D Manohar.

Don-turned-writer Agni Sridhar’s much awaited directorial debut is nearing. After editing a Kannada tabloid for 10 years, Sridhar turned to writing for kannada films. He wrote for the films Aa Dinagalu, Slum Bala and Kallara Sante; the last will release shortly.

Now, he is trying his hand at direction. Kannada movie star Shiva Rajkumar will play the lead in the film based on a relationship between a Hindu and a Muslim. The plans of the film, titled Tamas, were announced a while ago. The shooting for it is now scheduled to start in October and the budget is estimated at Rs 3 crore plus. Agni Sridhar says that this film, even with its comparatively smaller budget, will compete with any bigbudget non-Kannada film.

The three kannada films Sridhar has written till now are supposedly based on real incidents he saw in his days as a ‘don’. However, the details of the new film have been kept under wraps. Sumana Kittur, who has directed Slum Bala and Kallara Sante, was supposed to be on the job. But it was heard that she would be directing a film titled Edegarike. Later some reports claimed that Sridhar himself will be directing the film. Now sources say Edegarike is not Suman’s next and that it will only happen after Sridhar’s new film is made.

After being open critics of remakes, Hamsalekha and B Suresha get together with Prakash Rai to make one of their own.

Naanu Nanna Kanasu will be the first film to be directed by national award winner actor Prakash Rai. It is a remake whose origin lies in the Tamil film Abhiyum Naanum produced by Prakash himself.

Surprisingly joining hands with him in this venture are kannada music composer Hamsalekha and kannada actor-director B Suresha, both long time friends, but more importantly, vocal critics of remade films.

Hamsalekha, who famously broke away from his ‘yejamanru’ Ravichandran over the issue of remakes, has continued to compose music for such films while still criticising them.

As for Naanu Nanna Kanasu, he says that his compositions for the film will be original. “The original had only three songs. It is left to Hamsalekha to compose six or eight or ten songs as he deems fit for the Kannada version of the film,” says Prakash defending the kannada music composer.

B Suresha, a long time friend of Prakash’s and who would jump at every opportunity to condemn makers of remakes is part of the production team of Naanu Nanna Kanasu.

“Our intention is to get a good story to Kannada. The entire design of the film has been changed. It is our passion for good cinema that is making us do this film and nothing else. Even in Tamil, the film did not make a big profit. The story was written by Prakash himself. This cannot be compared to other remakes,” Suresha says.

Prakash says that the film should not be seen as an art or commercial film and even not as an original or remake, but as a good film. Those associated with the film are beginning to say that, “(We) will give our support to someone who wants to remake Pather Panchali.’” Moral of the story being that everyone has to fall in line when money matters more than principles.

Thanks for all who participated in the polls. Here are the results of all the polls.

This poll amazed many as namma Jagga surpassed veteran comedian Mr. Narasimha Raju in best comedian category. There were total 263 people participated in this poll and only 1%(3 people) voted Dwarakeesh. Umaashri rated 3rd best comedian next to Narasimha Raju. Congratulations Jaggesh.

This one tops as it got the highest number of votes in all the polls published yet. Women power!! Newbie Aindrita Ray has been chosen as the sexiest actress in Kannada cinema. Aindrita looks stunning in Jungly and forth coming Yograj Bhat film 'Manasaare'. The surprise (depress) element is Ramya who got just 18 (6%) of votes out of 306.

I'm just wating to see the result of handsome actor poll which is place top lefthand side. Did you vote??

Southern cinema scored big at the 55th National Awards on Monday with the Tamil film Kanchivaram adjudged best feature film and Prakash Raj best actor for his performance in it, while Adoor Gopalakrishnan bagged best director for the Malayalam film Naalu Pennungal and Kannada actress Umashri best actress for Gulabi Talkies in Kannada.

Girish Kasaravalli’s Gulabi Talkies about a Muslim midwife is also the best Kannada film in the awards for 2007 announced here by S M Khan, director of the Directorate of Film Festivals and jury members Sai Paranjape, Ashok Viswanathan and Namita Gokhale.

The South bagged the four top categories at the 55th National Film Awards (2007) though Anil Kapoor’s Gandhi My Father and Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par won Bollywood three technical awards each and Amitabh Bachchan-starrer The Last Lear won two awards (Best Supporting Actor for Shefali Shah as well as the Best Feature Film in English). Adding to Bollywood’s glitter was Chak De India (Best Film in the Wholesome Entertainment category). Khan’s home production, Om Shanti Om, won the Best Art Direction award.

Priyadarshan, who considers Kanchivaram (Tamil) to be the best film of his career, has the two top awards (Best Actor award for Prakash Raaj and the Best Film award). Film producer Shailendra Singh said: “Our journey for good content started a long time ago and I was often told that why did I make a Phir Milenge when I had actors like Salman Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. For me this is nothing less than an Oscar.’’

Adoor Gopalkrishnan bagged the Best Director award for his Malayalam film, Naalu Pennungal, and Umashri, leading lady of Girish Kasravalli’s kannada film Gulabi Talkies, won the Best Actress Award. The film won the Best Kannada Feature Film Award.

Making up things somewhat for Bollywood were The Last Lear, Chak De India and Anil Kapoor’s first home production, Gandhi My Father (Special Jury award, Best Supporting Actor for Darshan Jariwala and Best Screenplay for Feroz Abbas Khan), and Aamir Khan’s home production, Taare Zameen Par (Best Feature Film in Family Welfare category, Best Lyrics for Prasoon Joshi and Best Male Playback Singer for Shankar Mahadevan).

An excited Anil Kapoor said: “I have just returned from the US and am thrilled to learn that my first film as a producer has won three awards.’’ Jab We Met also received two awards (Best Female Playback Singer for Shreya Ghoshal and Best Choreography).

55TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS. And the award goes to...

Best Film:

Kanchivaram (Tamil) directed by Priyadarshan

Best Actor:

Prakash Raaj for his role in Kanchivaram

Best Actress:

Umashri for her performance in Girish Kasaravalli’s Kannada film Gulabi Talkies

Best Director:

Adoor Gopalakrishnan for his film Naalu Pennungal

Best Supporting Actor:

Darshan Zariwala for his role in Feroz Abbas Khan’s film Gandhi — My Father

As far as the film industry is concerned, the success of a film is usually rated according to the number of days a film can sustain and stay in the theatres. That has changed now. With films opening in more number of theatres across regions, extending to other parts of the country and even the overseas market, it is the opening weekend collection that really matters these days. Production houses spare no efforts to ensure that their project has a fantastic opening draw at the box-office so that they are able to recover the cost of the film in the first week itself. The fact that the film may not sustain any more than the opening week is another aspect altogether.

MORE SCREEN SPACE

Even small films are getting released in more number of screening halls to ensure recovery of the cost of production. That way even if the collections begin to drop after a couple of days, at least losses have been averted, if not kept to the minimum.Take the case of a small budget film Nadodigal, for instance. A film that would normally have opened in less than 100 screens, stretched its expenses by way of extra prints and released in nearly 160 screens across Tamil Nadu. That the film is having an extraordinary run at the box-office even now has only enhanced its collections.While Hollywood big budget flicks hit around 4000 theatres, a Bollywood big budget bonanza enjoys half of it (close to over 1600 screens). Mega star Chiranjeevi’s son Ram Charan Teja whose second film Magadheera opened in about 900 screens globally, reported a profitable revenue by the turn of the first week, that’s after the cost of production was recovered in the first week too. Vikram’s Kandaswamy has opened in over 900 screens.

PRINT COSTS DOWN

The cost of releasing a film in a large number of screens has been drastically scaled down owing to the up-gradation of theatres where digital screening is now possible. While a digital print costs less than Rs 15,000, the conventional print would set back producers by close to Rs 75,000. So more the number of digital prints released in more number of theatres ensures better and bigger revenue, that too in less time.

THE HYPE HELPS

Aggressive marketing and promotions do contribute to a film’s hype as well. The music release of Kanden Kadhalai had Imtiaz Ali, the maker of the original Jab We Met, as a special invitee who applauded Kannan, the director of the Tamil version, mentioning that he had rectified the mistakes he had made in the original. Ali made the remark after seeing a couple of song sequences in Kanden Kadhalai. For the special preview of the film, the pair of the original film — Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor are expected to be invited. What more hype could possibly be needed? But kannada film Raj-the showman has failed to make money over the hype it created. Theatres were empty in the second day itself.

Winning the Filmfare for Best Actress for Moggina Manasu has changed Radhika Pandit’s life. Since the awards ceremony almost a month ago, she’s been offered a few Kannada films and even a couple of non-Kannada films. “But I haven’t confirmed anything,” the actress tells us.

But what’s pleased Radhika the most is that she’ll be teaming up with Shashank, who also won a Filmfare for Best Director for MM.

The sexy kannada star Radhika Pandit remembers “After we received the award, Shashank sir said that he had something to tell me, and as soon as we landed in Bangalore, he told me he wanted me to be a part of his next project, Krishnana Love Story,” she recalls, adding, “It was also good to know that the producers thought that only I could play this role.” But it won’t be anything like her character Chanchala in MM because the film has a “mass element”. Radhika is confident that Shashank will be able to bring out the best in her for this film as well. “I knew he took a year off to work on the script for Krishnana.... And the Best Actress and Best Director teaming up again will add to the hype,” she says. There were four actresses in MM, but Radhika’s the only one who seems to have become the director’s favourite. “I don’t know about that, but Shashank sir trusts my acting skills and that’s why he offered me this role. I want to work hard and so that I don’t let him down,” she says modestly.

The actress is making the most of the wave she’s riding. Her last release, Love Guru, has completed 50 days, and 18th Cross will release soon. She’ll also start shooting for Superman, “which was delayed because of a misunderstanding between the director and producer. That’s been sorted out now,” she tells us.

Radhika has also been offered Kaddu Mucchi by Dayal. “But nothing’s been finalised about when the film is going to start,” she says.

Kannada challenging star Darshan is faced with a big challenge indeed in his stalled project, Boss.

Kannada star Darshan says “In my entire career, I’ve had only one film that was dropped just after the muhurat. And now, Boss is the other film that’s been totally messed up,” he says.

Holding producer Ramesh Yadav responsible for the delay, Darshan says, “We still have to shoot two songs, besides completing dubbing for the talkie portions. When we gave Ramesh our dates, he didn’t complete the songs. But now, when we are committed to other projects, he tries to act smart by asking us to finish only the dubbing — so that he can release the film without the songs. But the ball is in my court now. I’ll do the unfinished songs and dubbing for the film only when I wish to.”

In fact, Ramesh hasn’t even settled the payment dues of several cast and crew members yet, alleges Darshan, wondering how on earth the producer issued a statement saying he’d release 100 prints of the unfinished film. “Let him first clear the payments to artistes and technicians, including heroines Navya Nair and Rekha, director Raghu Raj, Harikrishna (who has scored wonderful music), and supporting actor Rangayana Raghu,” fumes Darshan, adding, “Ramesh is all talk. If he thinks he knows the industry inside out, he should also be aware that I knew about the same industry when I was in my mother’s womb. My father, Toogudeepa Srinivas, was an established actor back then.”

After all this, the actor has quoted a higher remuneration than he would charge otherwise. “Not only that. I’ll complete the film only after the others’ payments are cleared. It’s everybody’s bread and butter, and if Ramesh is not going to pay everybody, then he won’t see the film release,” asserts kannada movie actor Darshan.

Though miffed with the delay of Boss, the actor’s excited about his other projects. Talking about his next release, Abhay, Darshan says, “It’s not the usual Darshan in Abhay. You will see me as a lover boy.” And the climax sequence for Porki is another reason for his excitement. “It was the biggest climax I’ve ever done. We had 10-12 scenes in the sequence, of which five were shot in Bangalore and the rest in Chennai,” says Darshan, who’ll next star in another Telugu remake, Shouryam, under Sadu Kokila’s direction. Defending himself doing remakes of non-Kannada films, Darshan says, “There’s nothing wrong in picking up something that’s good. Though I’m not opposed to remakes, all my films are not remakes,” he maintains.

Kannada actress Ramya hasn’t had a release in the past year, but She still ensconced in the number one slot. And there’s no dearth of things keeping her busy. She’s been appointed brand ambassador for a hair oil brand and has taken off to Kerala to shoot for a commercial. Then, there’s the final schedule of 'Just Maat Maathalli' to be shot in Germany. Soon after that, she’s off to Malaysia for 'Hucha Kicha', and then there are her two Tamil films, 'Kadhal to Kalyanam' and 'Singam Vs Puli'.

But why not a single release in the last year? “In the past year, there’ve been no hits except for Ambari and Veera Madakari. The rest were all flops. I was even offered some of them, but they didn’t interest me. I’d rather stay home for a year and do good films than be a part of flops,” she says, “Besides, my last film Bombaat didn’t do well, so I’m being extra cautious now.”

But that didn’t stop kannada movie Queen from grabbing headlines during the recent press conference of her film Jothegara, at which she had a tiff with the press. “The press wasn’t informed that I’d be late. But I was upset by their behaviour; not because I’m an actress, but that’s not the way you talk to a woman,” she asserts. There’s also been this buzz about Yogi. “Yogi is a huge fan and I was offered Raavana opposite him. Even Ganesh was a fan of mine and ever since he featured in Amruthadhaare, he wanted to do a film with me. It’s flattering and there’s nothing more to it,” she says. “But recently, a director, Vasu, claimed that I look like Yogi’s akka. That’s his opinion, I have mine, too. I think Vasu is a blatant liar because I never asked to be cast in his film. I’m not the kind to go asking for work,” she lashes out.

And what was it like to be seated behind her ex-boyfriend Ram Charan Tej at the recent Filmfare awards? “There’s no ex factor here. Charan and I are good friends and go back a long way. We went to the same acting school and I’m amazed at the way he’s transformed into a brilliant actor,” says the actress.

Now, namma Ramya wants to focus on the KPL (Karnataka Premier League) and the Champions League, which she’ll be a part of. “I’m already the ambassador for the Royal Challengers. So, I’m not sure how much time I can dedicate to the KPL, though many teams are approaching me to be their ambassador. And no, I’m not buying a team,” she says.

Moggina Manasu bags five and Gaalipata won three awards at the 56th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008 (South).

Golden Star Ganesh won his first Filmfare award for the Best Actor while newcomer Radhika Pandit won the Best Actor (Female) for Kannada films at the 56th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008 (South).

Actresses in cocktail dresses, a busy dance floor; this 56th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008 (South) was more than just about beating the competition. The event was held at Hyderabad International Convention Centre on Friday evening and saw the who’s who of the Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam film industries in attendance.

Ganesh won his award for his performance in Gaalipata, while Radhika for her role in Moggina Manasu. Moggina Manasu swept the awards winning in five out of the eleven categories, that included Best Director (Shashank), Best Movie (E Krishnappa, producer), Best Supporting Actor (Yash) and Best Support Actress (Shubha Poonja). It was a victory for newcomers as Radhika Pandit and Yash debuted with this film. It was only the second film for producer E Krishnappa and director Shashank.

V Harikrishna (Best Music) and Jayanth Kaikini (Best Lyrics — Minchaagi Neenu Baralu) won two more awards for the film Gaalipata, directed by Yograj Bhat. Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal won the Best Playback Singer (Male) (Yenagali munde saagu nee) and Best Playback Singer (Female) (Ninna Nodalenthu...) respectively for the same film; Mussanje Maatu. S Krishna bagged the Best Cinematographer award for Haage Summane.

Ganesh, who won his first Filmfare promised that he would strive hard to win as many more in the coming years. For Shashank, it was a victory of his convictions. “I wanted to make this film about four teenage girls which told a story from their perspective for a very long time. It is a sensitive subject that explores the world of young female minds. The success of the film and these awards are the best encouragement for making meaningful films,” he said.

For young actors Radhika Pandit, Shubha Poonja and Yash, winning their first Filmfare award together for the same film was an added excitement. “Winning the Black Lady in my very first film is something that I can never forget in my life,” Radhika Pandit said.

This year also marked the first ever award for cinematography in Kannada and Krishna clinched it for Haage Summane. “I feel privileged to be the first in the ranks and I am not going to let this be a one-time achievement; I’ll be back next year too,” Krishna said. It might not be over-confidence on part of the cinematographer for had the category existed last year he would have picked the award for Mungaru Male.

Filmfare Awards 2008 (South) it getting bigger every year. In its 56th year, the biggest Indian film award ceremony also saw the largest gathering of south Indian film stars. The 56th Idea Filmfare Awards 2008 (South) at Hyderabad on Friday night saw the stars celebrate throughout the night.

Apart from bagging the most coveted ‘Black Lady’, the southern stars and the audience were treated to scintillating performances by Mumait Khan, Gouri Munjal, Shraddha Das, Sindhura Gadde, Priyamani, Sneha and Genelia on the stage. They mostly performed to an assortment of songs from their films in various south Indian languages. Kannada songs like Ek Galassi..., Chitranna Chitranna, and Nodalivalu Lovely Lovely were part of the package.

While most actors and technicians who bagged the awards dedicated their wins to their crew, family and God, Ganesh (Kannada) and Suriya (Tamil) dedicated it to their daughters. The most heartfelt dedication was by Radha Krishna J, who won the best director award for his Telugu film Gamyam. “I took my script to many producers in Hindi as well as Telugu. But no one believed that it was worth making such a film. But finally my family came to my rescue and gave me Rs 2.5 crore to make this film. I dedicate this award to the many young writers and aspiring directors out there who are waiting for their opportunity. Just like mine, your time will come to be on this stage,” he said. ‘Bunny’ Allu Arjun was the last awardee. He won the best actor award in Telugu and was given the trophy by his cousin Ramcharan Teja. He dedicated the award to his uncle, (Teja’s father) Chiranjeevi.

K J Yesudas got a standing ovation when he got on stage to receive the Best Singer award for Malayalam. Shreya Ghosal was compelled by the audience to sing Yenagali Munde Saagu Nee... from Kannada blockbuster Mussanje Maatu when she came on stage to collect the award. “Even though it is not my mother tongue, I have been fortunate to get so many good songs to sing in Kannada. I thank all my supporters in the Kannada industry,” she said. After Shreya’s turn, other winners came prepared with the lyrics of their songs. Sonu Nigam, who won the award for the same kannada film, thanked via a recorded speech.

Harris Jayaraj, who won the best music director award for the Tamil film Vaaranam Aayiram, dedicated the award to Michael Jackson. Senior Telugu lyricist Veturi Sundararama Murthy was honoured with the lifetime achievement award.

ALL-NIGHT PARTY

Man of the moment Bunny seemed the most vibrant actor around at the party that followed the awards function. He was clearly enjoying his moment of glory. He made no bones about the fact that “it was through hard work” that he got the award having “waited six years for this”. He was the most-sought-after actor at the party and he obliged every request for photographs.

Style check

Ramya’s dress was one of the most talked about at the party. The vibrant multi-colour gown got the most comments (in fact, like their Bollywood counterparts many actresses chose to wear dresses or gowns, ditching the traditional saree). Being identified as Divya Spandana for this evening, she got to meet the Kannada contingent only at the party. Sanjana too was part of the bigger scheme of things, moving around with her companion.

Ganesh seemed to be the best dressed among the actors. His tie in particular even had emcee Purab Kohli comment that “he was beaten to his game”. Ganesh was, however, too happy to pass on all the compliments of his style sense to his wife Shilpa.

They danced all night

Like stars in the sky, the actors shone brightest late into the night. The dance floor got buzzing only at 2 am. Jayanth Kaikini and Shashank who decided it was wrong not to watch the girls dance stayed on for sometime but did not venture to shake a leg.

While Harikrishna made the most by moving to the music from a distance, S Krishna continued to resolve that he would speak on stage next year. The nervous cinematographer had earlier literally ran away from stage after grabbing his trophy.

After nearly three decades in the Kannada Film industry, the ‘navarasa nayaka’ is keen on the ultimate job.

After 28 years as an actor, ‘Navarasa Nayaka’ Jaggesh wants to turn director. “I am tired of every other chap without the knowledge of wielding the clapboard turning director. Many come to me to narrate stories and I have to show a lot of patience to stop myself from kicking them,” the actor says.

The actor ends up narrating stories to the wannabe filmmakers who come to him. “They go back dumbstruck after listening to me. If this is the kind of preparation they come with, I see a bad situation for the industry as a whole. This is the reason I am seriously considering directing a film. I have the stories to tell and after all these years, am confident of making a good film,” he says. The recent tiff with director Guruprasad also seems to have stung Jaggesh. “Those claiming that they are responsible for all the success (of Eddelu Manjunatha) should realise that talent endures not success,” he says.

There is a long tradition of love triangles in Indian films. An addition to this list is Vijayalakshmi Singh’s new kannada film Male Barali, Manju Irali. Most of the film is a rip-off of the decade-and a-half-old Hindi film Yeh Dillagi. It doesn’t help that the Hindi film was also a copy of an old English movie. What is new is the story told from the perspective of the leading lady, Parvathy, who does a wonderful job.

Sneha (Parvathy) is a no-nonsense girl who has her goals firmly in sight; a career that will take care of her and her father. Her father (Jai Jagadish) works on a feudal estate and has kept his daughter away in Bangalore on the orders of the owners, who do not want her influence on the estate’s heirs. Vishwas (Srinagara Kitty) and Prem (Naga Kiran) are the rich heirs who are poles apart in character. Vishwas is an introvert trying to get over his failed affair. Unfortunately, Prem’s character is not suitably developed to be understood. Sneha falls in love with Vishwas without realising that Prem loves her.

Despite opposition from the boy’s mother and the introduction of a forgotten lover, there is no doubt throughout that Sneha will eventually end up in the arms of Vishwas. The brilliant performance of Parvathy is sometimes marred by her Suhasini-like accent. Considerable care has been taken by the director to present an authentic setting for the emotional scenes which is ably aided by good camerawork. But unnecessary songs and some boring scenes slow down the pace. Only Parvathy’s performance can bring in the crowds for this film.

Last yesr kannada superhit films Gaalipata and Moggina Manasu are competing for awards in nine of the 10 categories at the 56th Idea Filmfare Awards this year.

Two of the biggest hits of kannada cinema last year, Yograj Bhat’s Gaalipata and new director Shashank’s Moggina Manasu, are in a face-off at the 56th Idea Filmfare Awards (South) this year.

The two kannada films are in contention for awards in nine out of the 10 categories that will be announced in Hyderabad on July 31. The two films are missing only in the Best Playback Singer (Male) category. The other categories are, Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor (Male), Best Actor (Female), Best Actor Support (Male), Best Actor Support (Female), Best Music Director, Best Playback Singer (Female) and Best Lyrics. Another strong contender is Mussanje Maatu, by another new director Mahesh, with nominations for eight awards.

Apart from Gaalipata and Moggina Manasu, three other kannada films, Taj Mahal, Psycho and Aramane are in the running for the Best Film award. Taj Mahal is in contention for a total of five awards, while Psycho is in contention for four. Shreya Ghosal has been nominated thrice for the Best Playback Singer (Female) twice for songs of the same film; Mussanje Maatu. In the Best Playback Singer (Male), Sonu Nigam grabs two of the five nominations.

In his debut year, Raghu Dixit is in the race for Best Music Director as well as Best Playback Singer (Male), both for the film Psycho. Mano Murthy (Moggina Manasu), Harikrishna (Gaalipata), Abhiman (Taj Mahal) and V Shridhar (Mussanje Maatu) are the other music directors nominated.

This new kannada film narrative that keeps you hooked, dialogues that take you from one laughing bout to another, music that refuses to fade away and excellent performances by the lead actors, make Eddelu Manjunatha, as claimed by its makers, one of Jaggesh’s best kannada film ever.

The popular devotional song on the Lord of Dharmasthala has been used as the title of this interesting kannada film. No doubt, most people are wondering if this is the first devotional/mythological film of Jaggesh. But the presence of Jaggesh himself, the self-confessed lazy actor, confirms that Eddelu Manjunatha (Wake Up Manjunatha) is a comic take on work-shy sloths.

Manjunatha aka Manja has only obsession for drink. He manages to dodge all sorts of responsibility but still manages to lead a life he alone is content with. How he does it is narrated in a series of flashbacks while he spends time locked up in a hotel room with a blind film director. The contrast between the hardworking blind director and Manja himself is subtly revealed.

Manja’s narration of his life and the incidents that appear are hilarious. Meanwhile, Manja’s wife who is looking for him rescues him and the director from the hotel. But the duo get locked up again in Manja’s 10x12 ft home. Manja’s wife makes one last attempt to get him a job, but he is as disdainful of work as ever. The last few minutes in the movie, Manja realises he has led a worthless existence.

The film is held together by the hilarious dialogues penned by Guruprasad. A few of them may seem vulgar but Jaggesh somehow manages to mouth them in a way that seems perfectly normal. Even what seems funny has a tinge of sarcastic comment on society, life and Kannada films. Tabala Nani, as the blind director, looks real and gives a commendable performance. And so does Yagna Shetty who appears without makeup throughout.

Music by Anoop Seelin is of top quality. Free download kannada film songs here. But it is a pity that two of the songs are used as bits. Even in other places a little more money could have polished the visuals. The climax is a little preachy and the film is dialogue heavy. But like other good kannada films, Eddelu Manjunatha comes back to haunt long after you have seen it. JAGGESH ROCKS !!

Here is one more reason why dubbing should be allowed in Kannada. Chamkaisi Chindi Udyasi is a hotchpotch of various Hindi and English films garnished with stale jokes. To make matters worse there are very few scenes that evoke laughter in this film that was alleged to be a comedy by its makers. A R Babu who has made many low budget comedies, that nonetheless tickled the funny bone, makes a costly joke here but fails.

There is the age old plot of a villain gang searching for their lost booty of diamonds which is in the possession of the lead actress without her knowledge. A group of losers led by ‘Bottu’ Seena (Komal) try to win the girl while the real lover played by Kiran grubs and plods along. After a series of unrelated running-around-trees scenes in Malaysia, Kiran gets the girl, the villains die and Seena and gang get the diamonds.

Komal garners a lion’s share of the onscreen time and thereby the development of other characters is curtailed, many being without a beginning or an end. The film never rises above the ordinary and as it makes way towards the climax you have more or less lost interest in the proceedings. Two lessons learnt from this film; one if you remake a film, copy just one film. Second, better dub the original in Kannada. Of the many things you do not like in the film, is the saddening sight of an actor like Sudarshan cast in a role of a man infected by a rabid dog. Free download kannada film songs here.

Three good things have happened to Kannada film industry with Kabaddi.
One is the arrival of a promising new director.
Second, a natural actor in Praveen has been found and
Third, a brilliant dialogue writer has been discovered in Hoo Pattanashetty.

Kabaddi is one of the best films to have hit the Kannada screen in the recent past. Surprisingly, for most of the cast and the director, it is their first film. It goes to prove that young blood does effect change. There is hardly anything in the film that feels jaded. From the visuals to the dialogues, there is a charm that creates movie magic. Long after watching it, the images, words and situations linger. After a long time (Navatare was the last) there is a film in Kannada that has sports as its theme. When that game is so native, the film too feels close to the heart.

The story is about the trials of a wannabe kabaddi player (Praveen as Praveena) and a coach (Kishore) who dedicates his life to building a winning team. In between there is power politics that determines who remains in the team and who does not. A love affair that faces hurdles because of the game runs through the plot. Praveena loses his chance to represent the country owing to an injury. But in the end he has to get back to the game to win the girl he loves. You know he will eventually win, but that does not dull your anticipation of what comes next. Director Narendra Babu (not the namesake who made Palakki and Yuvah) in his very first film has shown tremendous effort in narrating a plot with characters that are so believable.

The best part of the film are the dialogues. Hoo Pattanashetty (one more newcomer) tells it as it is. The two dialects of Mandya and north Karnataka are both impressive. When Praveen, Dharma and the others mouth them, they do not seem like actors but real people picked out of a crowd in a Mandya village. Though the camerawork is good, there is noticeable difference in some of the scenes and songs. Free download kannada film songs here. No doubt five cameramen were used for different parts of the film. Watch the film and feel it grow on you.

Are you got bore of the same movie reviews, celebrity news, gossips? for a change we analyse the advantages, disadvantages and prejudices the lefties face in a right-handed world.

When a mere four to seven per cent of the world’s population is left handed it’s only common to hear comments like, “Dude you are wearing the watch on the wrong hand,” or “How do you write like are you keeping the book upside down?” Being a lefty might get you some attention but it’s not easy being one in a right-handed world!

BEING LEFT-IST IN INDIA

It’s considered a curse to be left handed in India. We do the good things with the right hand and the not so good with the left. The most common question right handed people ask when they see a person writing with the left hand is this: “With which hand do you eat?” The answer would most probably be a blank stare.

Not long ago, if a child was born left-handed most parents thought there was something wrong with the child. Some went as far as punishing the lefty kids whenever they held the pencil in the wrong (left) hand. There is also some religious background to the prejudice against lefties. In most religions the right hand is associated with the good while the left with bad.

WHY AM I LEFTY?

There have been many theories as to why people become lefties. One theory says that a person becomes a lefty when he uses the right portion of his brain. According to medical science the hand we use is opposite to the portion of the brain we use. So a right-handed person uses the left-side of the brain and only the left-handed person used the right-side of the brain. Another theory suggests that being left-handed or right-handed depends on the strengths of a human being’s body. Most right handed people have stronger right hands than the left and hence the tendency to use the right hand more.

LEFT BEHIND

Though the taboo attached to being left-handed is long gone, lefties still have their share of problems. A lot of products are by default designed for right-handed people. Be it the mouse, keyboard, pens, machine tools, scissors, cars, or musical instruments, all are specifically designed for the right-handed.

ADVANTAGE LEFT

Well left-handed people are thought to be more intelligent, creative thinkers, good writers. Left-handed people also make good lovers as they are used to making compromises in a right-handed world. This makes them easy going and understanding. Left-handed players are also preferred over their right-handed counter parts in sport. In a cricket crazy nation like ours, a left-handed bowler or batsman is always preferred. Sports aside, being left-handed means getting noticed and that’s a great advantage.

AFTER a five-year break following her marriage to kannada superstar Upendra, H2O fame Priyanka is back to enjoying the buzz in Sandlewood. And she’s making a comeback in kannada movie Shrimati - a remake of hindi flm 'Aitraaz' starring akshay, priyanka and kareena - starring Uppi and her, which is currently under production.

“Although I’ve been in touch with acting doing Bengali films during my break, I was nervous when I reported for the shooting of Shrimati,” confesses Priyanka, whose last kannada film with Uppi was H20. Facing the arclights with Uppi felt a little strange, she adds. “Earlier, it was different — he was my co-star. But now, I see him at home and back again on the sets! So, it feels a little different to approach each other professionally,” smiles the Bong beauty. But being a real-life couple has its advantages, she adds. “There’s a scene in which we’re lying on the bed and talking — it came naturally to us. We do it all the time at home after the kids have gone to sleep,” she says. But Priyanka’s hopes of spending quality time with hubby on the sets were quashed on day one of shooting. “Uppi’s never around me, and is always rehearsing his dialogues or writing something. He gives his shot and goes away; most people won’t even have a clue that we’re married!” she laughs.

Most real-life couples create a lot of interest when they team up on-screen. Will Uppi and her pairing up stoke the audience’s curiosity? “I’m sure our chemistry will fetch a good opening. So many fans have been asking us to do a film together for years. My cook, who didn’t get to see our wedding, says he’s eager to watch our maduve scene in the film!” she says.

But she’s having a great time essaying Uppi’s reel-life hendthi, played by Kareena Kapoor in the original. “Earlier, I didn’t understand any Kannada. Now I’m comfortable with the language since I speak it at home. But there have been some funny moments when I had to mouth long dialogues like, ‘Vichaarane maadakke anumathi kodabeku,’ and I’d be exhausted at the end,” she laughs.

Bollywood siren Celina Jaitly is also in the film: she plays a scheming woman, played by Priyanka Chopra in Aitraaz. Was Priyanka insecure about her intimate scenes with Uppi? “I was a bit. I prefer not to be around when they’re shooting such sequences,” she admits.

Now that she’s back in the corridors of Sandalwood, would she like to continue acting? “Yes, because it has brought my confidence back. It’s not an easy job, considering I have two kids. But I’m happy being back where I belong, especially since it’s with Uppi,” she says.

This kannada film’s release date isn’t confirmed yet, but Sandlewood is already buzz with the news that Parvathi Menon has a kissing scene with Srinagar Kitty in Male Barali Manju Erali.

And when we called the actress on Friday evening, she confirmed the news.

“Lip-locks in films aren’t new to Indians. There have been sensual scenes in classics that have become masterpieces now,” she says in defence of the kiss in her film. And Parvathi cannot understand why such a fuss is being made over something as harmless as a kiss.

“Films depict all sorts of things — pain, fear, anger, rape and murder. But no one ever questions any of that. But there’s always a hullabaloo made when it comes to a liplock,” she says. The actress emphasises that the kiss is integral to the story. “Films are a reflection of life, and in Male..., it’s the characters, Sneha and Vishwas, who share an emotional and intellectual bond. So the kiss was necessary to take the story forward,” she maintains, adding that the scene was not intended to be a gimmick.

“We don’t want people to watch the film just for that one scene. And we don’t want them to run it down just for that one scene either. Male... should be watched and judged as a whole,” she maintains. “Hats off to Vijaylakshmi ma’am (the kannada director) for ensuring that the characters are not compromised. There’s a solid reason for every scene,” she adds.

With two of his kannada films being launched the same day, the kannada actor-director has a lot on his hands these days.

For Nammura Mandara Hoove Ramesh Aravind shaved off his moustache. For his new kannada film Duru Guttu, Ondu Sullu, Ondu Nija, the actor has grown handlebar whiskers.

After wrapping up two films in 20 days flat, director Dinesh Baboo will take another 20 days to shoot Duru Guttu.... He has also written the story, screenplay and dialogues for the film, and will handle the camera for it. Another of Ramesh’s untitled new film is a remake of Malayalam film Chandralekha.

Sarita Jain (of Machcha) is its leading lady. The mahurats of both the films was held on June 9.

After he took to directing films, it has been only one film at a time for Ramesh in the last couple of years. But now there is a bonanza awaiting his fans as he has just completed dubbing for his friend Mohan’s Krishna Nee Lateaagi Baa. A film to be directed by Ramesh himself is likely to go on floors after the two new films.